BEST THINGS TO DO IN BANGKOK

Bangkok, Thailand's capital city, is a huge vibrant and bustling city with so much to see and do. I don't exaggerate when I say its one of my all time favourite cities around the world to travel to. There is so much to see and do in Bangkok this is truly a city you'll never run out of things to do and see. From ancient history full of temples to modern sky rises, Bangkok has it all and something to suit everyone.

Here are my favourite things to do while visiting Bangkok.

KHAO SAN ROAD

If you're looking for the most fun place to go in Bangkok, Khao San Road is the place to be! During the day Khao San Road is just like any other Bangkok Street lined with restaurants and stores. In the evening Khao San Road transforms into a vibrant, lively street filled with bars, street carts, street vendors. While you're there grab a beer from the local 7-11 and wander the streets, grab some food off the street carts (pad thai is a must) or chill out at one of the outdoor bars and people watch while meeting other travelers. Also wander over to the nearby streets Ram Buttri for the same vibe yet a bit quieter.

TEMPLES

There are so many beautiful temples to see around Bangkok. The following are the most popular among tourists, and for good reason, they are all extremely beautiful. Remember that these are all religious temples so respectful clothing must be worn to allow entry, this includes shoulders and knees to be covered.

WAT PHO

Wat Pho is one of the more popular temples in Bangkok and for that reason I suggest getting there when it opens at 8 am. The entry is 200THB (approximately $9AUD/ $6USD). Wat Pho is the temple of the Reclining Buddha, and here you'll find lots of beuatiful architecture with a lot of colour and detail.

WAT ARUN

When you're finished at Wat Pho head over to Wat Arun by ferry. You'll find the ferry just around the corner of the exit at Wat Pho and costs only 4THB each way on the ferry. The ferry ride is short crossing just to the other side of the river and leaves often. Wat Arun is a beautiful tall temple that you can spot from a distance. The entry fee is 50THB. Other than seeing the tall structure there's not much else to see here so you don't need to plan on spending much time.

WAT BENCHAMABOPHIT

Wat Benchamabophit, also know as the marble temple, is a lesser know temple for tourists so you can go any time throughout the day without many crowds around. Its a beautiful temple, yet on the smaller size so it won't take long to see the whole thing. The best time of day to view this temple is in the evening before sunset when the light sits just right on the temple. The cost is 50THB to enter.

GRAND PALACE

The grand palace is by far the most popular place to see in Bangkok so expect large crowds and a more expensive entry fee - 500THB ($23AUD/ $16USD). To avoid large crowds arrive as soon as it opens 8:30 am but even then expect for a lot of people to be there. As the name implies, the grounds are grand so allow yourself a lot of time to explore.

VISIT CHINATOWN

Visit Chinatown after sunset for a busy street lit up with neon lights and plenty of food cards. Chinatown is a foodie heaven with lots of different foods too taste. Check out the small alleys between the main roads for the best foods and shopping.

WATCH THE SUNSET FROM A ROOFTOP BAR

Bangkok has some of the best city sunsets I've ever seen with city stretching as far as the eye can see. For the best sunset views head up to one of the many rooftop bars spread across Bangkok. One of the most popular rooftop bars is Skybar at Lebua Tower. The movie Hangover 2 made this place even more popular when it used this view for a filming location. Entry is free but beware you'll be paying for it with their overpriced cocktails.

STAY IN A FANCY HOTEL

Bangkok has a huge range of accommodation from low end to very high end. While it may not be in your budget to stay in fancy hotel every night of you travel, I suggest splurging for at least a night or two. The reason I suggest this for your stay in Bangkok is because for the prices that you pay for a fancy hotel Bangkok, you'd be paying 5-10x the price in other cities around the world like London, Hong Kong, Sydney for the equivalent hotel. The prices in Bangkok for high end accommodation are very reasonable. One of my favourites in Bangkok is the Lebua at State Tower, make sure you get the Tower Club lounge when you're there. Read about my experience here.

TRY SOME FOOD FROM A STREET CART

My favourite part of traveling is always trying the local food. The best food you'll find in Asia is always from the street carts. You can find street carts scattered throughout the city, especially around Chinatown & Khao San Road. Make sure you try some pad thai which they make up fresh right in front of you which on average cost only 30THB. The spring rolls and fried roti (with banana & chocolate) are also some favourites of mine.

CHECK OUT THE MARKETS

There are so many markets around Bangkok very worthy of exploring. Some of the most famous ones are the floating market and the Maeklong Railway market. Since both of these markets are located outside of Bangkok the easiest way to get to them is via either a tour or a private driver.

Have the best time exploring Bangkok, it truly is such a fascinating city. If you have any questions leave them in the comments below.